Circuit interrupter



May 9, WVD, KYLE .E1-AL CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER Filed Nov. 21, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 l v ATTO NEY.

May 9, 1944. w. D. KYLE fr Al.

Y CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER Filed Nov. 21, .1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l n Q Y l x\ N. h "L-.

N Q c\ I w s s u lli A TTO May 9, 19.44- w. D. KYLE: E1- Al. 2,348,394

v CIRCUIT 'INTERRUPTER Filed Nov. 2l, 1941 l 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented May 9, 1944 CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER William D. Kyle and Chester W. Brown, Milwaukee, Wis., assignors to Line Material Company, South Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Dela Application November 21, 1941, Serial No. 419,858

(Cl. Z200-114) n 17 Claims.

This invention relates to circuit interrupters.

Objects of this invention are to provide a circuit interrupter which is made as a unitary assembly and which is so arranged that all portions thereof are adapted to be bodily supported from a single terminal, such as the terminal of a single bushing transformer for instance.

Further objects are to provide a circuit interrupter of unitary construction in which one of the terminal members thereof supports an insulator which in turn supports a second terminal, the iirst terminal itself being adapted to be supported from a terminal member and extending outwardly and upwardly with reference to the insulator, a fuse tube assembly being pivotally and slidably carried by the first terminal and normally electrically connecting the two terminals.

Further objects are to provide a slidable and pivotally mounted fuse tube which normally connects a rst and a second terminal and which is not only slidably mounted but is pivotally mounted on one of the terminals and so arranged that the action of gravity normally tends to maintain the fuse closed under normal conditions and tends to move the tube out of circuit position between the terminals after the fuse tube has executed sliding motion upon rupture of the fuse link.

In greater detail, objects of this invention are to provide a unitary construction having a first and a second terminal and a fuse assembly normally connecting the iirst and second terminals, the fuse assembly including a sleeve pivotally and detachably supported vfrom the rst terminal, the construction being such that the sleeve and its pivot supporting means may be removed bodily as a unit with the fuse tube from the first terminal for refusing and may again be placed in engagement -with the first terminal after refusing so that the fuse tube may be rocked back into operative position, the rocking motion of the fuse tube causing interlocking between the sleeve and the rst terminal to prevent inadvertent detachment of the sleeve from the iirst terminal.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the laccompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation, with parts in section,

of one form of the invention showing the device in circuit closed position.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the parts as they appear after rupture of the fuse link.

Figure 3 is a sectional View on the line 3 3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an end view looking into the open end of the fuse tube.

Figure 5 is a View corresponding to Figure 1, partly broken away and partly in section, showing a further form of the invention.

Figure 6 is a sectional View on the line S-G of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a sectional view on the line I-'l of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a plan View of one of the terminal members with the arms of the contacts broken.

Figure 9 is a sectional View on the line S- of Figure 5.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 which show the first form of the invention, it will be seen that the device is made as a unitary construction in which a lower terminal member I is arranged to be supported from a terminal 2, such, i'or example, as the terminal of a single bushing transformer. The terminal I of the device is socketed to receive the terminal 2 and a set screw 3 is provided for locking the circuit interrupter inposition. The terminal I extends outwardly and upwardly in the form of a curved arm 4 which terminates in a socketecl portion 5, the socket being preferably tapered and being approximately rectangular in cross-section, as may be seen from a comparison of Figures l and fl. It is also to be noted that this socket 5 terminates in an inwardly projecting curved lip G and in a depressed anged portion indicated at l.

An insulator 8 is carried by the terminal I and projects upwardly therefrom. The insulator in turn supports a second terminal indicated generally at 9. This second terminal includes the casting l which is provided with apertured lugs II adapted to receive the line wire which may be clamped in place by means of set screws I2, see Figures l and 3. The casting Il is provided witn a slanting flat face to which is secured a resilient brush contact I3.

A hood like latching member I4 is pivoted as indicated at Iii to the casting Il) and is provided with a web I6 and a transverse pin il between which the resilient brush contact I3 passes. The brush contact, therefore, acts in the nature of a spring to yieldingly hold the latch member Iii in its latching position. The latch member is provided with a cam-shaped portion I8 and a pair of outwardly flared lateral portions I9.

A fuse tube assembly normally connects the terminals I and 9. This fuse tube assembly comprises a normally horizontally mounted expulsion fuse tube which has a sleeve like contact 2| secured to one end and provided with a threaded portion which receives the closure cap 22, such closure cap being provided with a projecting pin 23 which latches beneath the lip 24 of the latch I4. The contact 2I normally engages the brush contact I3 of the second terminal and is provided with a manipulating eye portion 25 which is adapted to receive a switch stick.

The fuse tube 20 is slidably mounted within a sleeve 26 which is recessed and normally houses a compression spring 21 loosely coiled about the iuse tube and urging the fuse tube towards sliding motion outwardly with reference to the sleeve 26. It is preferable to provide the tube 20 with an external metal sleeve 28 which loosely slides within the sleeve 2B. This metal sleeve 28 which is rigid with the fuse tube is provided with a flanged end portion indicated at 29 against which the outer end of the spring bears. The flange 29, as shown most clearly in Figure 4, is provided with a lug 30 which projects upwardly therefrom and which is normally received within a notched portion formed in the sleeve 26. The sleeve 26 carries a screw 3l upon which is screwed the thumb nut 32 for clamping the flexible leader 33 of the fuse link. The fuse link includes the flexible leader 33 and the fusible section 34 and is provided with a buttonhead 35, which latter is clamped between the contact 2| and the closure cap 22 of the fuse tube.

The open end of the fuse tube is slightly rounded, as shown in Figure 1, and the proiecting lug 30 of the sleeve 28, which is rigid with the fuse tube, is also slightly rounded and is notched to position the leader 33 of the fuse link, the fuse link extending from the contact 2l through the fuse tube and outwardly therefrom and being clamped, as stated, beneath the thumb nut 32. The fuse link, therefore, normally holds the fuse tube against sliding motion and restrains the action of the spring urging the fuse tube outwardly with reference to the sleeve 26. The sleeve 26 has a pair of projections or ears 36, see Figures 1 and 4, extending downwardly therefrom. These projections are positioned between upstanding ears 31 of the supporting portion. A pintle pin 38 pivotally connects the sleeve and the ears 31 of the supporting portion. The supporting portion is provided with a downwardly extending portion 39 which is approximately rectangular in crosssection, as may be seen from a comparison of Figures 1 and 4, and which tapers downwardly and is removably received in the tapered socket 5. The supporting portion which is pivotally joined to the sleeve thus constitutes a pivotal supporting means which is detachable from the socket 5 of the first terminal and which is removable as a unit with the fuse tube and sleeve. The supporting portion is also provided with a rearwardly projecting ton-gue 40 which acts as a stop to limit the rocking motion of the fuse tube and sleeve, as shown in Figure 2. The tongue 4U also cooperates with the depressed flanged portion 1, see Figure 4, to align the fuse tube with the second stationary terminal indicated generally at 9 in Figure l. The sleeve 26 is electrically connected to a lip 4I forming a portion of the pivotal support by means of a flexible leader 42.

The ears 36 which are rigid with the sleeve are provided with hooked portions 43, see Figure 1, which 'when the fuse tube is in its operative defiance position, are hooked beneath the overhanging lip 6 of the socket member 5 and thus prevent inadvertent removal of the fuse tube assembly.

When an overload occurs, the fuse link is ruptured and the spring 21 quickly slides the fuse tube to the right, as viewed in Figure 1. The center of gravity of the fuse tube, which heretofore was between the rst and second terminals, is now outside or beyond the rst terminal and the fuse tube, therefore, rocks to the position shown in Figure 2, the rocking motion being limited Aby the engagement of the sleeve 26 with the stop 40. Thus after rupture of the fuse link, the fuse tube, which had heretofore been biased towards closed position, is now biased towards open position and will remain in open position.

It will be seen from the description thus far given that after rupture of the fuse link, the iuse tube which had initially been biased by gravity towards closed position is now biased by gravity so that it remains in open position without any tendency to move towards closed positien, irrespective of the condition of any of the spring parts of the device.

'if it is desired to manually rock the fuse tube to open position, this may be readily done without breaking the fuse link by merely pushing the latch I4 towards `releasing position, thereby detaching the fuse tube from the latch and thereafter rocking the fuse tube to open position.

The invention may take other forms. For example as shown in Figure 5, lthe main body portion 44 is carried by the terminal of the single bushing transformer 45. The body portion 44 is provided with a lug 46 through which the terminal 41 passes and the body portion is secured in place by means of the nut' '48. This body portion is provided with a socketed member 49 similar to the socket member 5 of Figure 1 which receives the pivotal support member 50. This pivotal support member is provided with ears 5I and with `a projecting stop 52 corresponding to the stop 40 of Figure 1.

The fuse tube 53 is provided with a metal sleeve 54 which is rigidly mounted on the fuse tube and which is slidably received within the sleeve 55. The Isleeve 55 is provided with a pair of ears 56 which are positioned between the ears 5I of the pivotal support and are pivoted thereto by means `of a pintle pin. These ears 56 are provided with locking hook like portions 51 which are positioned beneath the overhang-ing lip of the socket support 49 when the fuse tube is in operative position as previously described.

Preferably the sleeve 55 is electrically connected to the pivot member 5I) by means of the flexible leader 5B. The rear end of the sleeve 54, which is rigid with the fuse tube 53, is provided with Van annular flange 53 which normally abuts the outer end of the sleeve 55. The flange 59 is notched as indicated at 60 in Figure 7 and a tongue -6I integral with the sleeve 55 is normally received within the notch 60 to thus prevent the -tube from rotating about its axis with reference to the sleeve 5I when the tube is in operative position.

A spring 62 loosely surrounds the fuse tube 'and sleeve `54 and is housed within the sleeve 455 and bears at its outer end against the flange 59 and urges the fuse tube towards sliding motion outwardly with respect to the sleeve 55. A suitable thumb nut 63 is carried by the sleeve `455 for clamping .the leader 64 of the lfuse link to the sleeve. The fuse link is constructed as previously described and extends through the tube and rout of its open end and around the outer end of the fuse tube to thus hold the fuse tube against sliding motion and releasing the fuse tube upon rupture of the fuse link so that the fuse tube will slide to the right as viewed in Figure and thereafter will rock as described in connection with Figure 2.

The member 44 constitutes in effect a first terminal. It is provided with a downwardly and outwardly slanting lower portion which supports an insulator 65. The insulator 65 carries the second terminal at its outer end. The second terminal comprises the two spring arms 66 and 61.

.These spring arms are bowed outwardly, as shown in Figure 6, to receive the outer contact 68 of the fuse tube between them, such outer contact being preferably provided with a flanged portion 69 and an eyelet portion 10 and with a closure cap 'l I. The arms 66 and 6l continue downwardly and are provided with parallel portions `66 and 61.', see Figure 8, which are clamped between the Aplates 12 and 13. The portion 61 turns upwardly to form a line conductor receiving contact 61". The other arm 66 turns downwardly to form one electrode 66 of a spark gap, the other electrode of the spark gap being indicated at 'I4 in Figure 5 and extending upwardly from the casing of the transformer.

When the fuse link is ruptured on overload, it releases the fuse tube which is slid to the right as viewed in Figure 5, and the action of gravity rocks the fuse tube to a position corresponding to that shown in Figure 2 for the first form of the invention.

The fuse tube together with the pivotal support may be lifted from the first terminal 44 through the medium of a switch stick which is hooked into the eyelet member 10.

After refusing, the operator, by means of the switch stick, repositions the pivotal support 50 in the socket portion 49 of the iirst terminal 44 and thereafter rocks the fuse tube to operative position.

If it should be desired to manually open the circuit, the operator may engage the eyelet with a switch stick and pull the fuse tube assembly to open position without rupturing the fuse link. As described in connection with the first form of the invention, the center of gravity of the fuse tube is normally between the first and second contacts. However, after the rupture of the fuse link and sliding motion of the fuse tube to the right as viewed in Figure 5, the center of gravity has shifted beyond the pivot point and the fuse tube is now biased towards open position and rocks to open position where it remains until removed by the lineman.

It will be seen that this invention provides simple types of circuit interrupters which are positive in their action, which insure a quick break of the circuit within the fuse tube upon overload, and which after sliding motion of the fuse tube, rock to and are permanently biased towards open position so that there is no danger of the fuse tube dropping back into operative position after rupture of the fuse link. This last feature adds considerably to the safety of the device for the fuse tube, as stated, is biased by gravity so that it remains in open position irre- Spective of the condition of any of the spring parts of the apparatus.

It will be seen that in both forms of the invention the fuse tube assembly, including the pvot support, may be lifted from the first terminal by means of a switch stick which engages .the eyelet portion, and the fuse tube may berefused whiley it is removed from the rest of the apparatus. After refusing, the lineman replaces the fuse tube assembly, readily positioning it with a switch stick, and rocks the fuse tube into opera- -tive position. The fuse tube assembly, when in operative position, is locked against accidental removal from the lirst terminal but when the fuse blows and the fuse tube slides and rocks to inoperative position, the fuse tube assembly may be readily lifted from the first terminal as it has been automatically unlocked therefrom.

Although this invention has been described in considerable detail, it is to be understood that such description is intended as illustrative rather than limiting, as the invention may be variously embodied and is to be interpreted as claimed.

We claim:

1. In a circuit interrupter, a first terminal, an insulator supported from said iirst terminal, a second terminal supported from said insulator, an arm extending outwardly and upwardly from said rst terminal, a fuse assembly completing the circuit between said terminals and including a fuse tube having a fuse link therein, said fuse assembly including a pivotal support having a portion normally rigidly supported from said arm and detachable from said arm and removable as a unit with said fuse tube from said arm, said fuse tube rocking about said pivotal support upon rupture of said fuse link.

2. In a circuit interrupter, a first terminal, an insulator supported from said first terminal, a second terminal supported from said insulator, an arm extending outwardly and upwardly from said first terminal, a fuse assembly completing the circuit between said terminals and including a fuse tube having a fuse link therein, said fuse assembly including a pivotal support having a portion normally rigidly supported from said arm and detachable from said arm and removable as a unit with said fuse tube from said arm, said fuse tube rocking about said pivotal support upon rupture of said fuse link, and means automatically releasing after said fuse link has been ruptured for normally locking said pivotal support to said arm.

3. In a circuit interrupter, a first terminal, an insulator supported from said first terminal, a second terminal supported from said insulator, an arm extending outwardly and upwardly from said rst terminal, and a fuse assembly completing the circuit between one of said terminals and said armand including a fuse tube slidably supported from one of said terminals and biased towards sliding motion to disconnect the fuse assembly from the other terminal and including a member pivoted with respect to said fuse assembly and removably socketed and supported from the terminal which slidably supports the fuse tube, said fuse assembly including a fuse link within said fuse tube normally restraining said fuse tube against sliding motion.

4. In a circuit interrupter a rst terminal, an insulator supported from said first terminal, a second terminal supported from said insulator, an arm extending outwardly and upwardly from said first terminal, a fuse tube assembly completing the circuit between one of said terminals and said arm and including a fuse tube with a fuse link therein, supporting means detachably supported from one of said terminals and supporting said fuse tube for sliding and pivoting Amotion, means for initiating sliding motion of said fuse tube upon rupture of said fusel link,

said fuse tube executing rocking motion after initial sliding motion, said fuse link normally restraining said fuse tube against motion, and means independent of said supporting means for normally locking said supporting means against removal from the terminal carrying the supporting means and unlocking said supporting means after said fuse tube has executed rocking motion.

5. A circuit interrupter comprising a pair of stationary contacts, supporting means for said contacts, pivot means supported 'from said supporting means, a luse tube assembly including a fuse tube and a fuse link therein, said fuse tube being pivotally supported by said pivot means and being normally biased by gravity towards closed position connecting said stationary contacts, and biasing means biasing said fuse tube towards motion transversely of said pivot means to a position where the fuse tube will be rocked by gravity to open position, said fuse link restraining said biasing means.

6. A circuit interrupter comprising a pair of stationary contacts, supporting means for said contacts, pivot means supported -from said supporting means, a i'use tube assembly including a fuse tube and a i'use link therein, said fuse tube being pivotally supported by said pivot means and being normally biased by gravit-y towards closed position connecting said stationary contacts, and biasing means biasing said fuse tube towards motion transversely of said pivot means to a position where the fuse tube will be rocked by gravity to open position, said fuse link directly engaging and restraining said fuse tube against motion due to said biasing means.

7. A circuit interrupter comprising a first and a second stationary contact, a fuse tube having a contact adjacent one end normally engaging said second stationary contact, a fuse link within said fuse tube electrically connecting the contact of said fuse tube with said first stationary contact, supporting means slidably and pivotally supporting said fuse tube, the center of gravity of said fuse tube being normally on the side of said supporting means towards said second stationary contact, and spring means restrained by said fuse link and released upon rupture of said fuse link, said spring means when released sliding said fuse tube to a position Where the center oi' gravity oi said fuse tube is on the opposite side of said supporting means from said second stationary contact to causerocking motion of said fuse tube.

8. A circuit interruptor comprising a first and a second stationary contact, a fuse tube pivoted on said iirst stationary contact and having a contact adjacentfone end thereof normally engaging said second stationary contact, said fuse tube being slidable with respect to said first stationary contact, spring means urging said fuse tube towards sliding motion outwardly with respect to said first contact to unbalance said fuse tube to thereby cause said fuse tube to rock with respect to said `rst contact, and a fuse link within said fuse tube electrically connecting the contact of said fuse tube with said rst stationary contact, said fuse link restraining said spring means.

9. A circuit interiupter comprising a first and a second stationary contact, a fuse tube pivoted on said first stationary contact and having a contact adjacent one end thereof normally en gaging said second stationary contact, said fuse tube being slidable with respect to said rst stationary contact, spring means urging said fuse tube towards sliding motion outwardly with respect to said rst contact to unbalance said fuse tube to thereby cause said fuse tube to rock with respect to said first contact, and a fuse link within said fuse tube electrically connecting the contact of said fuse tube with said rst stationary contact, said fuse link restraining said spring means and being tensioned by said spring means.

10. A circuit interrupter comprising a first and a second stationary terminal, a sleeve pivotally mounted on said first stationary terminal, a fuse tube slidably carried by said sleeve and having an open end normally adjacent said sleeve and having a contact adjacent the other end of said tube normally engaging said second stationary terminal, a spring surrounding said fuse tube and urging said fuse tube towards sliding motion to project said fuse tube `outwardly of said sleeve, said fuse tube when projected outwardly `of said sleeve being unbalanced and rocking with said sleeve towards open position, said sleeve having a locking means interlocking with said first stationary terminal when said fuse tube is in closed position, and a fuse link within said fuse tube connecting said sleeve and the contact of said fuse tube and restraining said fuse tube against sliding motion.

l1. A circuit interrupter comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, pivot support means carried by said first terminal, a sleeve pivotally supported on said pivot support means, la fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve, a spring urging said fuse tube for sliding motion with reierence to said sleeve, and a fuse link within said ,fuse tube normally restraining the sliding motion of said fuse tube, all portions of said pivot support means being freely detachable from said iirst terminal and being removable with said fuse tube and sleeve as a unitary assembly.

l2, A circuit interrupter comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, pivot support means carried by said `lirst terminal, a sleeve pivotally supported on said pivot support means, a fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve, a spring urging said iuse tube for sliding motion with reference to said sleeve, a fuse link Within said fuse tube normally restraining the sliding motion of said fuse tube, all .portions of said pivot support means being 'freely detachable from said first terminal and being removable with said fuse tube and sleeve as a unitary assembly, and means rigid with said sleeve for .temporarily interlocking with said first terminal.

13. A circuit interrupter comprising a rst terminal and a second terminal, pivot supportmeans carried by said first terminal, a sleeve pivotally supported on said pivot support means, a fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve, a spring urging said fuse tube for sliding motion with reference to saidsleeve, and a fuse link within said iuse tube normally restraining the sliding motion o1" said fuse tube, all portions of said pivot support means being freely detachable from said first terminal and being removable with said fuse tube and sleeve asa unitary assembly, said pivot support means and said first terminal having cooperating means for causing said fuse tube to align with said iirst terminal.

la. A circuit interrupter comprising a iirst terminal and a second terminal, a sleeve, a pivot support member carried by SaidsleeVe, Asaid first terminal having means for removably receiving said pivot support member, a fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve, a spring urging said ,fuse tube towards .sliding motion `with reference to said sleeve, a fuse link within said fuse tube normally electrically connecting said rst and second terminals and normally restraining said iuse tube against sliding motion, said fuse tube when in normal position having its center of gravity between said terminals and when released upon rupture of said fuse link sliding with reference to said sleeve to a position where its center of gravity is beyond said first terminal, whereby said fuse tube and sleeve will rock with reference to said pivot supporting member.

l5. A circuit interrupter comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, a sleeve, a pivot support member carried by said sleeve, said rst terminal having means for removably receiving said pivot support member, a fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve, a spring urging said fuse tube towards sliding motion with reference to said sleeve, a fuse link within said fuse tube normally electrically connecting said rst and second terminals and normally restraining said fuse tube against sliding motion, said fuse tube when in normal position having its center of gravity between said terminals and when released upon rupture of said fuse link sliding with reference to said sleeve to a position where its center of gravity is beyond said first terminal, whereby said fuse tube and sleeve will rock with reference to said pivot support member, said sleeve having a lip rigidly formed therewith and interlocking with said first terminal when said fuse tube is in normal position and being out of interlocking relation with said first terminal when said fuse tube has rocked after rupture of said fuse link.

16. A circuit interrupter comprising a rst terminal, an insulator supported from said rst terminal, a second terminal carried by said insulator, a sleeve, a pivot support member pivotally supporting said sleeve and carried by said sleeve and comprising relatively movable portions, said rst terminal having means for removably receiving said pivot support member, a fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve and having an open end normally adjacent said sleeve and having a contact at the other end of said fuse tube, said second terminal having means yieldingly gripping the contact of said fuse tube, a fuse link normally connecting the contact of said fuse tube with said sleeve, means for attaching said fuse link to said sleeve, and a spring urging said fuse tube towards sliding motion with reference to said sleeve, said fuse tube being normally restrained against sliding motion by said fuse link, said fuse tube after executing sliding motion being unbalanced and rocking about said pivot support member.

17. A circuit interrupter comprising a rst terminal and a second terminal, a sleeve, a pivot support member pivotally supporting said sleeve and carried by said sleeve and comprising relatively movable portions, said rst terminal having means for removably receiving said pivot support member', a fuse tube slidably mounted within said sleeve and having an cpen end normally adjacent said sleeve and having a contact at the other end of said fuse tube normally engaging said second mentioned terminal, a fuse link electrically connecting the contact of said fuse tube and said sleeve, means for attaching said fuse link to said sleeve, and a spring urging said fuse tube towards sliding motion with reference to said sleeve, said fuse tube being normally restrained from sliding motion by said fuse link, said fuse tube after executing Sliding motion being unbalanced and rocking about said pivot support member, said fuse tube having a manipulating eye and said sleeve and said fuse tube having cooperating means for insuring the correct position of said eye when said fuse link is intact.

WILLIAM D. KYLE. CHESTER W. BROWN. 

